Regional Express (Rex), in partnership with Snowy Mountains Airport Corporation Pty Ltd (SMAC), will officially launch its Snowy Mountains (Cooma) to Sydney Regular Public Transport (RPT) services in a ceremony held at the Snowy Mountains Airport on Wednesday 23 March 2016.
The ceremony will take place following the inaugural service’s arrival from Sydney. On hand to witness the launch will be guests and VIPs including the Member for Monaro and Minister for the areas of Regional Development, Skills, and Small Business the Hon. John Barilaro MP and Snowy Mountains Airport Corporation Chairman Mr Kevin Blyton, as well as representatives from local business and tourism organisations.
Commenting on the new service Rex Deputy Chairman the Hon. John Sharp said, “We are excited to re-establish RPT services to the Snowy Mountains; to provide this vital link between the region and Sydney. We have worked with Snowy Mountains Airport Corporation over the past months to develop the flight schedules and to promote the services, and will continue to work in partnership with them and local stakeholders to provide a sustainable air service for the long-term benefit of the residents of the Snowy Mountains and the business and tourism sectors operating in the region.”
Chairman of Snowy Mountains Airport Corporation, Kevin Blyton is delighted that Rex has commenced services into Snowy Mountains Airport.
“The availability of regular year round flights to and from Sydney will provide an important link for the people of the Snowy Mountains.”
“Rex is Australia’s leading regional airline whose product and service is outstanding. We look forward to working with Rex in providing the best possible air service to satisfy the needs of both the business and tourism sectors for many years to come,” he added. Member for Monaro and Minister for the areas of Regional Development, Skills, and Small Business the Hon. John Barilaro MP also welcomed the service.
“This first flight marks a new and exciting time for the Monaro,” he said.
“This is a game changer for our region; it will make the Snowy Mountains more accessible for domestic and international tourists wanting to experience the beauty of this region.”
“Whilst over half of international tourists visiting Australia arrive at Sydney’s Kingsford-Smith Airport, only 20 per cent travel on to regional NSW. This new direct flight from Sydney to the Snowy Mountains will make it easier for international visitors to discover the wonders of the Monaro during both winter and summer seasons,” he said.
Services will commence from Wednesday 23 March 2016 for the Easter period, with the core schedule of five return services per week commencing from Monday 28 March 2016. Additional services on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays will operate through the ski season.
Reservations can be made on the web via www.rex.com.au, by phoning 13 17 13. To celebrate the launch, a special promotional fare is available on the Rex website only for $99 each way (plus a booking/services surcharge). Fares are subject to availability.
Regional Express (Rex) is Australia’s largest independent regional airline operating a fleet of more than 50 Saab 340 aircraft on some 1,500 weekly flights to 58 destinations throughout all states in Australia. In addition to the regional airline Regional Express, the Rex Group comprises wholly owned subsidiaries Pel-Air Aviation (air freight and charter operator), Air Link (Dubbo-based regional airline) and the Australian Airline Pilot Academy.
